When you undergo surgery, go to the doctor or agree to a treatment plan suggested by your care provider, it is with the expectation that the counsel and care you received met a certain standard of care. When doctors fail to provide quality care, innocent people can suffer, resulting in additional financial losses and a longer recovery.
If you believe that you suffered as a result of the negligent behavior of a Georgia doctor, nurse or other type of care provider, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. These cases are complex, requiring that you prove certain elements to obtain compensation – one of which, is negligence.
What counts as negligent care?
Most cases of medical malpractice are the result of a mistake or error on the part of a doctor, surgeon, nurse or other care provider. It can be difficult to prove that their mistake resulted in your medical complications or pain and suffering, and any valid claim must prove that negligence occurred as a result of the following:
- Breach of duty owed to the patient by the doctor
- Failure in adhering to the acceptable standard of care
- Injury to the patient as a result of doctor’s actions
How can you know that what you experienced qualifies as medical negligence? You could have a case if your health was or currently is in jeopardy due to any of the following:
- Surgical mistake
- Anesthesiology errors
- Medication mix-up
- Incorrect, missed or delayed diagnosis
- Negligent post-operative care
- Implantation of defective or unnecessary medical device
Proving that the doctor is at fault for what you suffered is a complicated task, often involving in-depth investigations into your case and reliance on expert witnesses. Your success with your claim may depend on the experience and tenacity of your lawyer, and you would be wise to secure this legal help as soon as you believe you may have a case.
Help for when much is at stake
If you are indeed the victim of medical malpractice, there is much at stake. Not only do you have a rightful claim to compensation and continued medical care necessary for a full recovery, you can fight to hold the health care professional responsible accountable for his or her actions.
You do not have to face this difficult and stressful situation alone.